R360 Recruits Hit With Decade-Long Exclusion from Australia's Rugby League

The NRL's administration has declared that athletes who enter the “counterfeit” R360 competition will be banned for 10 seasons.

R360, set to start in late 2026, is aiming to attract athletes from both codes with hefty contracts and a condensed fixture list.

Leading NRL stars have reportedly been approached by R360, which will include six to eight men's clubs and women's teams operating from large metropolitan areas worldwide.

Representing Samoa Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who plays for New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has stated he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also reported to be thinking about signing the new competition.

Eight major union nations, among them Australia, last week imposed a ban on players joining R360 participating in global fixtures.

“We've listened to our clubs and we've acted decisively,” said Australian Rugby League Commission chairman the official.

“Regrettably, there will always be groups that try to exploit our sport for monetary profit.

“They don't invest in pathways or the advancement of players. They merely capitalize on the hard work of others, endangering athletes of economic hardship while gaining personally.

“They are, in reality, copying the game.”

R360 is launched by ex-England star Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the prospective union prohibitions were declared last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate collaboratively as a component of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is arranged with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”

The new league will seek approval for its initiatives from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body, at its council meeting in 2026.